Summary

In your role as Global Program Head (GPH), you hold final accountability for the overall vision, strategy, execution, and development deliverables of one or more highly complex and/or partnered global programs within a designated disease or clinical area. You will lead one or more Global Program Teams (GPTs) consisting of multidisciplinary functional experts focused on clinical development, securing global regulatory approvals, ensuring market access, and optimizing the commercial value of the program(s). Your position involves extensive collaboration with leaders from internal and external development and commercial teams to design and implement a comprehensive strategy. Additionally, you will represent the GPT(s) and the company as a business and scientific leader in Alliance governance and other relevant external meetings.

Job description

Your role

In your role as Global Program Head (GPH), you hold final accountability for the overall vision, strategy, execution, and development deliverables of one or more highly complex and/or partnered global programs within a designated disease or clinical area. You will lead one or more Global Program Teams (GPTs) consisting of multidisciplinary functional experts focused on clinical development, securing global regulatory approvals, ensuring market access, and optimizing the commercial value of the program(s). Your position involves extensive collaboration with leaders from internal and external development and commercial teams to design and implement a comprehensive strategy. Additionally, you will represent the GPT(s) and the company as a business and scientific leader in Alliance governance and other relevant external meetings.

Key responsibilities include establishing a program vision and strategy, proactively shaping the external environment to defend and improve the company's position, and anticipating internal and external drivers of change to program strategy. You will ensure alignment across global functions and regions, lead collaboration to implement agreed plans, and serve as the primary internal communication contact for assigned program(s). Additionally, you will manage program budget decisions, build and lead high-performing cross-functional teams, and provide strong enterprise leadership.

Who you are

The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline, with a preference for a doctoral-level degree (MD, PhD, or DVM). An MBA or equivalent, combined with significant scientific or medical knowledge.
You should have a minimum of 7+ years of experience in global drug development, including substantial managerial experience leading multidisciplinary global program teams in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
Demonstrated expertise across various areas of drug development is essential, along with a broad understanding of research, pre-clinical development, process development, manufacturing, clinical, regulatory, and marketing processes.
Experience with global or regional launches, as well as marketed products, is highly valued. Strong knowledge in the relevant therapeutic area is preferred, along with a proven track record of influencing and collaborating cross-functionally within a matrix environment.
You should be a business-savvy executive with mature leadership capabilities, adept in decision-making, conflict resolution, and influencing others.
Your entrepreneurial drive will be recognized, and you will have the ability to represent the company effectively and negotiate at all levels, both internally and externally, across key geographies. Outstanding interpersonal skills are critical for constructive interaction with all functions within a global matrix organization, including partnerships with external organizations.
A strong strategic thinker and enterprise leader, capable of exercising sound judgment in uncertain situations or when faced with incomplete or ambiguous data.
A strong results orientation and excellent communication and team leadership skills are essential for success in this role.
You're able to commit to a minimum of 3 days a week onsite in Billerica.

Requirements

Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline (preference for MD, PhD, or DVM)
MBA or equivalent combined with significant scientific or medical knowledge
Minimum 7+ years of experience in global drug development
Substantial managerial experience leading multidisciplinary global program teams in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
Demonstrated expertise across various areas of drug development
Broad understanding of research, pre-clinical development, process development, manufacturing, clinical, regulatory, and marketing processes
Experience with global or regional launches and marketed products
Strong knowledge in the relevant therapeutic area
Proven track record of influencing and collaborating cross-functionally within a matrix environment
Business-savvy executive with mature leadership capabilities
Adept in decision-making, conflict resolution, and influencing others
Outstanding interpersonal skills
Strong strategic thinker and enterprise leader
Strong results orientation and excellent communication and team leadership skills
Ability to commit to a minimum of 3 days a week onsite in Billerica
Eligible to work in the US

Benefits

Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement contributions

Company overview

Merck Healthcare KGaA is the healthcare business sector of the Merck Group, a German multinational science and technology company headquartered in Darmstadt. Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest operating pharmaceutical and chemical company. The Healthcare division focuses on developing innovative therapies across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, neurology & immunology, fertility, and cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrinological disorders. With approximately 62,557 employees globally, Merck Healthcare operates in more than 65 countries and generated 40% of the Group's sales in 2024. The company's oncology portfolio includes blockbuster products like Erbitux (cetuximab) for colorectal and head and neck cancers, Bavencio (avelumab) for urothelial carcinoma, and Tepmetko (tepotinib) for MET-altered cancers. In neurology, Mavenclad (cladribine) has achieved blockbuster status for treating relapsing multiple sclerosis, while the fertility division has helped bring over 6 million babies into the world through products like Gonal-f. Merck Healthcare combines a strong established business with specialty innovation, delivering a diversified portfolio of therapies to millions of patients worldwide.